UPDATE: The highly anticipated Hall of Fame voting results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America will be revealed today at 6 p.m. ET. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones will join the ranks of baseball legends.
This year’s ballot has sparked discussions due to its perceived lack of star power. Last year’s candidates featured heavyweights like Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia, but this year’s lineup brings only Cole Hamels as the sole newcomer with over 50 career WAR. The 2026 ballot consists of 27 players with a total of 1,282 WAR, and just 11 players exceeding 50 career WAR. In comparison, the 2013 ballot hosted 37 candidates worth 1,672 WAR, yet none were elected.
As the clock ticks down to the announcement, the stakes are high for Beltran and Jones. Last year, Beltran garnered 70.3% of the vote, while Jones followed closely with 66.2%. According to Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame tracker, Beltran currently polls at 89.2% and Jones at 83.5%. However, history suggests these figures may not guarantee election, as both players experienced significant drops in their final vote tallies last year.
Historically, center fielders have been underrepresented in the Hall of Fame. Among those elected with the majority of their career value post-1960, just four center fielders have made the cut: Willie Mays, Andre Dawson, Kirby Puckett, and Ken Griffey Jr.. The current ballot’s emphasis on high career value versus peak performance will be put to the test today, particularly for candidates like Beltran, who boasts impressive stats: 435 home runs, 2,725 hits, and 1,587 RBIs.
In his third year on the ballot, Chase Utley shows potential, polling at 67.9% compared to 39.8% last year. His case reflects a broader trend of voters possibly shifting focus from longevity to peak performance. Meanwhile, Hamels enters the scene with a career total of 163 wins and 57.9 WAR, making his candidacy intriguing, especially given the changing standards for pitchers in today’s voting environment.
As anticipation builds, fans also speculate about the future of other candidates, including Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez. Rodriguez, now in his fifth year on the ballot, has distanced himself from expectations of election, while Ramirez faces his final chance this year.
The announcement today could reshape the narrative surrounding the Hall of Fame and its voting trends. Will Beltran and Jones make history, or will they fall short once more? The results will have significant implications for the future of Hall of Fame voting and the legacy of these players. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates on this developing story.
